Navigating Insurance Claims After Storm Damage: A Homeowner's Guide

Filing an insurance claim after storm damage can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first one. The process is more predictable than most people think once you know the steps and what your adjuster is actually looking for.

Step one is documentation. As soon as it's safe, photograph damage from the ground: gutters, siding, windows, shingles in the yard, and any interior water stains. Write down the date of the storm. Do not climb on the roof.

Step two is a professional inspection before you file. A contractor inspection tells you whether the damage is likely to meet your carrier's threshold. Filing a claim for damage that doesn't qualify can still appear on your claims history, so it's worth knowing first. Our drone inspections give you dated, high-resolution photos of every slope.

Step three is filing with your carrier and meeting the adjuster. The adjuster inspects the roof and writes an estimate, usually in software called Xactimate. It helps to have your contractor present so nothing gets missed, such as damaged vents, flashing, gutters, or code-required items like ice and water shield.

Step four is reviewing the estimate. Insurance estimates often leave out items that are required to do the job correctly. When that happens, your contractor can submit a supplement with documentation explaining why each item is needed. This is normal and part of the process.

Understand your deductible and payments. Many policies pay in two parts: actual cash value first, then the recoverable depreciation after the work is complete. Your deductible is your responsibility, and a contractor offering to "cover" or waive it is asking you to take part in insurance fraud, which is illegal in Wisconsin.

Finally, choose a local, licensed contractor and never sign anything that hands over control of your claim before you've seen an inspection report. A good contractor works alongside you, not in place of you.